Late autumn leaves drifted into the courtyard, staining the mud on the ground a deep red.
Within the private courtyard, a bamboo waterwheel turned, scooping up sweet spring water and pouring it over the stones in cool, refreshing splashes. The afternoon sun was faint but warm, and a thick layer of animal pelts covered the fine wooden floor of the heated pavilion.
Dressed in full noble finery, Miss Maria-Lysa sat in the heated pavilion, gazing at the autumn scenery. Like some young noblewomen, Maria-Lysa had always been regarded as fragile. Her constitution could never be described as "robust," and whenever the seasons changed in spring and autumn, she had to take care to keep warm or risk falling ill.
Still, she was also a thoroughly proper young noblewoman. She needed little social activity and had few trivial matters to attend to. When necessary, she could participate in all manner of events and comport herself gracefully. When there was no need, she could spend an entire day quietly with a few books and a deck of cards. There was something deeply tranquil and peaceful about her.
The day of her engagement drew ever closer, and she had been staying at home lately. Two maids stood beside her, one holding a towel, the other a coat. A magical device dating back to the age of Netheril played music.
It should have been an uneventful day.
Until a servant entered from outside, his expression urgent, and interrupted Miss Lysa's reading.
"My lady."
"Lord Großkreutz is here to visit."
Miss Lysa raised her head in surprise. She glanced outside and saw Reynard, a Master Paladin and one of the Arabel Five Heroes, standing at the courtyard gate.
"You may leave."
"Yes, my lady."
With permission granted, Reynard strode into the courtyard. He wore white